Insights · Hardware compliance
What the FCC Covered List means for your cameras.
A plain-language summary of the federal list that restricts certain video surveillance equipment: what it covers, what it means for cameras already installed, and how a phased replacement works.
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The list
What the FCC Covered List is.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) keeps a public list of communications equipment and services that federal authorities have found pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. A 2019 federal law, the Secure Networks Act, requires the list.
Published since March 2021
The FCC first published the list on March 12, 2021, and adds entries over time.
Video surveillance entries
The list names video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, and Dahua Technology Company.
The uses those entries cover
For those three companies, the entries cover equipment used for public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes.
Cameras already installed
What it means for cameras you already have.
The FCC rules limit equipment coming into the U.S. market. They do not order owners to remove cameras that are already installed.
No new authorizations
Since February 6, 2023, equipment on the list cannot receive a new FCC equipment authorization.
No importing or marketing
Since July 16, 2026, previously authorized equipment on the list cannot be imported or marketed in the U.S. For the three video surveillance companies, this applies to equipment used for the purposes above.
Continued use
The FCC has said the ban on importing and marketing does not affect the continued use or operation of equipment that was legally purchased and keeps its existing equipment authorization.
Federal contracts and funds
Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act bars federal agencies from buying this equipment and from contracting with companies that use it as a substantial or essential part of any system. Federal grant and loan funds cannot be used to buy it. If you contract with federal agencies or receive federal funds, check with your counsel or funding source.
Phased replacement
How a phased replacement works.
Replacing covered cameras in phases spreads the work and the cost across budget cycles, instead of all at once.
Inventory what you have
List every camera, recorder, and switch, note which are on the Covered List, and test the cabling that could be reused.
Set the order
Decide which buildings or areas go first, and size each phase to a budget cycle.
Replace in phases
Each phase swaps covered cameras and recorders for equipment that is not on the list, on a current video platform.
Close out each phase
Update the device list and drawings, and train staff on the new system.
Before you decide
This page is a summary, not legal advice.
Rules and dates can change. Check the current FCC Covered List, and ask your counsel or funding source how the rules apply to your contracts and grants.
